Course Provider
Learning Objectives
1. Describe cardiac conduction and the components of an ECG waveform.
2. Use your knowledge of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation, including key defining characteristics, to differentiate it from other arrhythmias and predict impact on normal functioning.
3. Outline common cardiac and noncardiac causes of atrial fibrillation.
4. List key clinical data, including subjective symptoms, past medical history, physical assessment findings, and diagnostic/laboratory tests, important to obtain when assessing a patient with atrial fibrillation.
5. Identify key components that should be considered in the development of the medical plan of care, including the issue of generic drug substitution.
6. Compare and contrast antiarrhythmic medications appropriate to use for acute and chronic rate control for patients with atrial fibrillation.
7. Outline the use of pharmacologic therapy in the restoration of normal sinus rhythm, including indications for use and procedure for administration.
8. Describe electrical cardioversion, including indications and pre- and postprocedure care.
9. Discuss antiarrhythmic medications that may be used to maintain normal sinus rhythm in a patient following successful spontaneous, electrical, or pharmacologic cardioversion.
10. Select appropriate pharmacologic measures that may be used to reduce risk of thromboembolic events in persons with atrial fibrillation.